Suazo brace boosts Zaragoza survival bid

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MADRID, Feb 27, 2010 (AFP) - Promoted Real Zaragoza gave their survival hopes a real shot in the arm with a 2-0 win at Getafe on Saturday to move four points clear of the relegation zone.

Chile international striker Humberto Suazo, on loan until the end of the season from Mexican club Monterrey, scored both goals in the first half to secure only Zaragoza's second away win of the campaign.

A terrible back pass from David Cortes gifted Suazo his opener on three minutes and some slack marking allowed the 28-year-old forward to header home his second on 19 minutes.

Zaragoza move four points clear of third-from-bottom Valladolid while Getafe stay eighth despite this being their 12th defeat of the campaign.

Real Madrid will be looking to climb above Barcelona, currently two points ahead, at the summit with a victory at second-from-bottom Tenerife later on Saturday.

Cristiano Ronaldo turned in a mesmerising display in last weekend's 6-2 demolition of Villarreal and coach Manuel Pellegrini believes the Portuguese sensation is back to his best after a season interrupted by injuries and suspensions.

"Cristiano Ronaldo's performance last weekend was brilliant," said Pellegrini. "He made crosses, scored goals, provoked penalties. He did everything one could ask of a player.

"I am very happy for him because he always works very hard. I think he is in top physical form."

Leaders Barcelona are at home to Malaga in Saturday's late match at Camp Nou with coach Pep Guardiola admittting the champions need to raise their game if they are to retain their domestic crown.

"We know that we can play better because everyone has seen very recently just how good we can be," explained Guardiola. "We can improve and we need to do so in order to be champions.

"Here the demands are very high and it is not just about winning but about playing well time and again."

Atletico Madrid host Valencia on Sunday in an intriguing match-up between two sides capable of beating anyone on their day.

Atletico and Valencia both won in the Europa League in midweek against Galatasary and Club Brugge respectively, but are in very different positions in the league with Valencia riding high in third while Atletico languish down in 13th.

"Atletico are a lot of points (19 points) behind us but they are still a direct rival," insisted Valencia coach Unai Emery. "If we win we will finish them off."

Fourth-placed Sevilla are four points behind Valencia and will hope to beat Athletic Bilbao on Sunday and cross their fingers that Atletico can derail Valencia at the Vicente Calderon.